Member's Press Release

President Cole

CHARLESTON – Senate President Bill Cole, R-Mercer, is urging West Virginians to be safe as heavy rains continue to move across the state.

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin has declared a State of Emergency for 44 counties, excluding the Northern and Eastern Panhandle counties of Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Grant, Hardy, Mineral, Hampshire, Morgan, Berkeley, and Jefferson. A State of Emergency gives counties access to state resources for response efforts.

“This weather system has turned into a very serious problem for many people across the state, and our thoughts and prayers are with all affected families and first responders,” Senate President Cole said. “I’d like to thank Governor Tomblin for making resources available to these counties, and I would encourage everybody to check on family and neighbors and take precautions in areas where water is rising.”

West Virginians who live in counties covered under the State of Emergency can call their county emergency management agencies for assistance or information, or the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management at 304-558-5380.